“It’s unclear whether Apple (nasdaq: AAPL – news – people ) has put a gag order on application developers like Stitcher, or if everyone is genuinely confused about the apps the computer giant will distribute for its iPhone and iPod Touch at its new Apps Store inside iTunes. Like many developers scrambling to build applications for the device, Ghaffary, vice president of business development at Stitcher, says all he knows is that Apple will start making apps available sometime in early July, around the time the company launches its new 3G iPhone. Apple didn’t respond to requests seeking confirmation of its plans.”
“There’s a method, however, to Apple’s mysterious ways. “They are masters of building the buzz,” says Ghaffary, whose company’s applications dish up information-packed audio content such as news and sports.”
“Faced with a crush of media interest in the run-up to the new iPhone’s launch July 11, some developers are talking to reporters, but they’re begging off discussing specifics. Touchy topics span the technical details of their applications to the feedback they received from Apple.”
“Several developers have reported that Apple contacted them with warnings after they posted online videos demonstrating their applications.”
“Other developers are actively pitching journalists. Ghaffary may not be able to tell you the App Store’s launch date, but he’s happy to discuss his company’s iPhone application in detail.”
“The ability to decide which developers will get into Apps Store puts Apple in control. Developers say they are grateful to even be a part of the July launch. Apple is said to have accepted just 16% out of 25,000 applicants. But those lucky 4,000 still feel insecure. Many believe that Apple will ditch their applications right before the launch if they offend the company. ”
Additional Thoughts: The iPhone SDK agreement clearly states that any information deemed confidential, including “other non-public information that you learn about Apple’s products, designs, research, development, know-how, or Apple’s business, finances or personnel, or non-public third party information,” is prohibited from being divulged. So If developers want to remain legally within the rights of this contractual agreement, I don’t think that risking business to let out a few secrets is in their best interest.
As for whether Apple is putting the squeeze on developers in efforts to subdue any leaks, I would imagine it would not be to any further an extent than just reminding them that they are working under the SDK agreement.
via Forbes.
